Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Shoreline Restoration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks board approves smaller Millers Bay restoration area after volunteers report invasive takeover
Summary
Urban Ecology Oshkosh asked the Advisory Parks Board to allow volunteers to continue managing the Millers Bay shoreline plantings. The board approved continuing the program with a reduced footprint and a one‑year period to salvage desirable native plants and address invasive species.
Urban Ecology Oshkosh volunteers presented a history and remediation plan for the Millers Bay shoreline plantings on June 9, telling the Parks Board that aggressive and invasive species have overtaken much of the original native plantings and that a targeted rescue and partial site reduction would be the most sustainable path forward.
Shannon Davis Slost, speaking for Urban Ecology Oshkosh, said volunteers found several intact native patches and numerous aggressive species and young trees that require immediate control. She described a proposed timeline: plant rescue in June; mowing and smothering in July or August to clear heavily infested areas; and seeding or planting plugs in September and October. She said volunteers are available but the group has no dedicated budget and would rely on fundraising and city support for larger tasks.
Board members raised long‑running concerns about plant height and volunteer capacity. An unnamed board member asked how the group would ensure compliance with the city ordinance that limits planting height to 3 feet; Urban Ecology Oshkosh said they would select shorter species and work with staff on maintenance. Other board members suggested moving the demonstration planting to a location that is easier to maintain and less likely to be disturbed by heavy park use; Lakeshore Park was mentioned as a possible alternative.
Parks staff and board members identified two smaller salvageable patches at each site that volunteers could bolster while the more heavily infested areas are cleared and reestablished. The consultant and staff discussed non‑chemical options (smothering with cardboard and soil and erosion control mats) and acknowledged that herbicide use would be faster but less desirable for long‑term sustainability.
The board voted to reduce the North‑end planting area and continue working with Urban Ecology Oshkosh on maintenance and future site planning. The recorded roll call on the motion shows the vote as Aye from Davis, Hillhead, Plumb, Franz and Herman; the motion carried. The board directed staff to work with the volunteer group on salvage work this year and to return with site‑specific maintenance plans and options for possible relocation or downsizing for future seasons.
